THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 139 



to the proposition that there should be added to the mineralogical 

 and geological surveys of these regions, determinations of the dip, 

 the variation, and the intensity of the magnetic forces, provided that 

 the Smithsonian Institution would furnish one set of the instruments, 

 and take charge of the direction of the observations, and of reducing 

 and publishing them. In the survey of the mineral lands in the vicinity 

 of Lake Michigan, under Dr. Jackson, Dr. Locke, of Cincinnati, has 

 been employed with his own apparatus ; and, to make provision for 

 the survey in Wisconsin, preliminary steps have been taken to procure 

 other instruments from London. 



Another subject of research mentioned in the programme, and which 

 has been urged upon the immediate attention of the Institution, is that 

 of an extensive system of meteorological observations, particularly with 

 reference to the phenomena of American storms. Of late } r ears, in our 

 country, more additions have been made to meteorology than to any 

 other branch of physical science. Several important generalizations* 

 have been arrived at, and definite theories proposed, which now enable 

 us to direct our attention, with scientific precision, to such points of 

 observation as cannot fail to reward us with new and interesting results. 

 It is proposed to organize a system of observations which shall extend 

 as far as possible over the North American continent ; and in order to 

 do this, it will be necessary to engage the co-operation of the British 

 government. I have accordingly addressed a letter to Lieutenant Colo- 

 nel Sabine, Corresponding Secretary of the Royal Society, wdio assures 

 me that, as soon as the plan is fully matured for this country, there 

 will be no difficulty in establishing a system of corresponding observa- 

 tions in the British provinces. I have also addressed letters to seve- 

 ral gentlemen distinguished for their attainments in meteorology, asking 

 for suggestions as to the plan of observation ; and I beg leave to refer 

 the Board to the accompanying report of Professor Loomis, of New York 

 University, and also to the communication of Professor Espy, received 

 in answer. The former contains an exposition of the advantages which 

 may be derived from the study of meteorology, and what has been done 

 in this branch of science in this country, and what encouragement there 

 is for the further prosecution of the same subject, together with a gene- 

 ral plan of operations. The present time appears to be peculiarly 

 auspicious for commencing an enterprise of the proposed kind. The 

 citizens of the United States are now scattered over every part of the 

 southern and western portion of North America, and the extended line* 

 af telegraph will furnish a ready means of warning the more northern 

 and eastern observers to be on the watch for the first appearance of an 

 advancing storm. 



All which is respectfully submitted. 



JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary. 



To the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. 



